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Reflection and Goals

Shortly after my last post in 2016, I strained my right quadricep muscle while running and training for a 50K that was to be here in Phoenix. While initial prognosis was maybe only a couple weeks off from running, I ended up in physical therapy for nearly 5 months. As a result, my running goals were put on hold but that didn't stop my adventuring. I hiked along the Continental Divide in Idaho.
Outside West Yellowstone in Idaho.
Later that summer, some friends and I hiked and summited the highest peak in Arizona, Mt. Humphreys (elevation: 12,633 ft). The first time I'd ever climbed over 10,000 ft.
The Grand Canyon and Sedona are visible from the top.
Later that year I also hiked/ran the Grand Canyon for a variation of Rim2Rim for a total of about 30 miles to celebrate my sister's 40th birthday. It was an incredible learning experience, not only in steep climbing but also in preparation and what to do in crisis in the wilderness (we're so glad you're still alive, Megan!).
The Ooh-Aah Point
As a result of over-extending myself while still injured, I developed a little bit of runner's knee. But early in 2017, I finally got into a solid routine of strength training and I was feeling great. Simultaneously, my husband and I had been trying to get pregnant for some time. When I became injured it was a sign to me that my running needed to take a backseat. But time went on, I was healthy again and still not pregnant.

Tired of putting my life on hold, I signed up for my first 50 mile race to be completed at the end of 2017. I was the fittest I'd ever been! And within a month I found out I was pregnant. Elation and disappointment and anxiety all accompanied the first part of pregnancy. So I deferred my 50 mile race but still decided to complete two half marathons. Around 8ish weeks pregnant, I ran the Zion Half Marathon. But it was slow-going as a result of a first trimester nausea. But the course was insane and beautiful and so worth the suffering.


I celebrated the end of the first trimester at 13 weeks with another Half Marathon in the Wasatch Mountains in Utah, under the shadow of Mt. Timpanogos. I took it easy with friends and while my finish time was nothing to brag about, I felt great and that was enough.
Running in Mesa, AZ some 33 weeks pregnant.
The remainder of my pregnancy had me running here and there while I fell in love with indoor rock climbing and climbed well into my third trimester.

Strength training. Coach Griff making sure my form is on point.
Soon after I had my baby boy (child #2) with no drugs and my awesome, supportive doula. While I don't consider myself a granola-hippie, it was an experience akin to finishing a marathon that I'd recommend to anybody. You're left with an adrenaline high that makes you feel damn near invincible.

Baby boy is now 6 months old. My goals post-delivery were to adjust back to running in a healthy way. Since, I've been training with a good friend who has provided me with the direction and focus I've needed to get way further along than I had after my first child was born. And while I'm not exactly where I had hoped I'd be by this time, I am well on my way to completing that same 50K I hoped to complete in 2016 and that same 50 mile race I hoped to complete in 2017.
First race after pregnancy, about 11 weeks postpartum. REI 5K!
Exploring Sedona with friends. 
2nd race of the Insomniac Series, 10K near Scottsdale.
Exploring Alaska, land of the midnight sun, with my brother.

I'm excited now to be a part of Team Trail Sisters and hope to do what I can to represent them and their mission of inspiring women outdoors and on the trails. Here's to more 2018 adventures!

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